Fiscal Sponsorship
Goodnation provides tax-exempt status along with a suite of tools and services so you can confidently raise funds for your cause.
Photo credit: Proximity for Justice, which brings the TedX platform to maximum security prisons
-
What is fiscal sponsorship?
As a tax-exempt organization, the Goodnation Foundation can accept and disburse gifts on behalf of your program, in addition to a number of other comprehensive services, allowing you to fundraise without your own 501c3 status.
-
Who is fiscal sponsorship for?
If you are raising charitable funds for a cause you care about, and do not have your own 501c3 or 501c4 status or plan to apply for it in the future, fiscal sponsorship may be a good fit for you. We can also accept c4 funds.
-
What makes Goodnation different?
No annual fees, a responsive and flexible team, an organized platform for managing your program, the option of payroll and benefits and so much more are reasons why Goodnation’s fiscal sponsorship service is rapidly growing.
“We have been with Goodnation since last year and we LOVE it! The team is flexible and accommodating and the relationship has allowed for us to grow and thrive.”
-Program sponsored by Goodnation since June of 2023
Comprehensive Support
-
ACCEPT DONATIONS
Whether you raise c3 or c4 funds, we work with your funders, from individual donors to foundations, to give using their preferred method, including an optional secure custom donation form.
-
COMPLIANCE
We handle compliance including annual audit, required IRS filings, issuing 1099s to vendors and making it simple to send tax deductibility acknowledgements. Programs are covered under our general and professional liability insurance.
-
TRACKING
We provide a transparent view of incoming and outgoing funds, updated in real time, with reports available for download as well as the option to track specific budgets and grants with ease, thanks to our fiscal sponsorship platform.
-
EXPENSES AND GRANTMAKING
We help you pay invoices, reimbursement requests and grants easily and quickly, as well as offer debit cards tied directly to your program’s balance.
-
HR SERVICES
We hire and onboard contractors and employees, providing optional payroll services and benefits, such as health insurance and a 401K plan with employer match.
-
PERSONAL SUPPORT
A kick-off call with the Goodnation team to review logistics and operations, as well as ongoing support and quick response time from an experienced team, means you are always in good hands.
Through our Philanthropy Advising service, there may be the opportunity for us to introduce additional Goodnation donors to our fiscally sponsored programs.
Our Application Process
Apply: After reviewing our eligibility requirements and fee structure, below, submit your application, which allows us to get an understanding of your program. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
Initial call: Based on your application, if we feel you may be a good fit, we will schedule a call to learn more about each other. We are happy to schedule multiple calls and to answer additional questions over email.
Review and sign agreement: We will share an agreement for your review and signature.
Onboarding call: We will hold an onboarding call for you to meet the full team, walk through our operations and logistics, and for a brief training on our fiscal sponsorship platform.
Eligibility
In order to qualify for fiscal sponsorship under Goodnation, you must be able to demonstrate the following:
Initiative in line with Goodnation’s mission
Prepared 24-month budget reflecting an annual fundraising goal of at least $200,000
Known network of existing or potential committed donors
Bandwidth and ability to develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan
Understanding that funds raised are to be used in line with c3 (or c4) work and not in pursuit of making a profit
Background checks on staff/volunteers if working with children
Not required, but a plus:
Dedicated board of directors or volunteers
Understanding of lobbying (if applicable to your mission)
Get Started
To take the next steps, provide us with information about your initiative, your goals and what you are looking for from a fiscal sponsor.
Current programs sponsored by Goodnation
Foundations that have supported programs through Goodnation
Costs
Goodnation operates on a sliding scale dependent on your annual revenue. We do not charge a set-up fee.
Standard sliding scale:
6% up to $1M in annual revenue
5% up to $2.5M in annual revenue
4% up to $5M in annual revenue
3% up to $10M in annual revenue
2% up to $25M in annual revenue
1% after $25M in annual revenue
For projects in need of HR services or with more complexity, increased fees may apply:
8% up to $1M in annual revenue
7% up to $2.5M in annual revenue
6% up to $5M in annual revenue
5% up to $10M in annual revenue
4% up to $25M in annual revenue
3% after $25M in annual revenue